Turning Heads in Oncology: Lab Study Proves Dandelion Root Kills 95% of Cancer Cell
Dandelion or scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, found commonly across the globe and often dismissed as a common weed. This dandelion herb has been used in traditional medicine for a long time in Chinese, Indian, Arabian, and Native American healing practices. As per data it has a variety of uses as a detoxifier, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Dandelion extracts have been studied extensively in recent years for its anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory activity. While dandelion root and dandelion herb’s therapeutic benefits have been long supported by ethnomedicinal and pharmaceutical claims, recent scientific studies have begun to validate the effects of dandelion and are trying to explore the mechanisms behind dandelion’s potential against cancer treatment scientifically.
Scientific Insight into Dandelion's Anticancer Activity
Based on a recent scientific study, it was proved that the methanol extract of dandelion root (MEDr) provided compelling results against human cancerous cell lines. In this investigation, scientists tested dandelion root extract (MEDr) on HepG2 (liver), MCF7 (breast), HCT116 (colon), and normal Hs27 (fibroblast) cell lines. The results showed a remarkable reduction of cancerous cells with a concentration of 500µg/mL of MEDr on HepG2 cells and lesser impact on MCF7 and HCT116 cells. The MEDr extract had no effect on normal Hs27 cells, which suggested the cancer-selective cytotoxicity of dandelion root extracts.
The study also uncovered that this extract activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, a cellular energy sensor) in liver cells. AMPK is a promising target in cancer cell therapy, which plays a crucial role in inhibiting cancerous cell growth. No prior scientific proof of dandelion root extract activating of AMPK had been reported so far, which marks a significant novel discovery in the context of cancer treatment (liver).
Simultaneously some of the clinical observations bolster these findings. For example, a case report published in Case Reports in Hematology detailed the case of a 76-year-old patient diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML, an aggressive, stem cell-derived blood cancer) with very limited treatment options. After beginning a treatment with a combination of papaya leaf extract in 2009 and dandelion root extract in 2015, the patient experienced stable hematological parameters with a good quality of life without any side effects. This report, co-authored by Dr. Leena T. Rahmat of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Lloyd Damon of UCSF, emphasized the possible role of these natural extracts in prolonging survival and improving quality of life in myelomonocytic leukemia patients.
Source: Journal of Herbal Medicine (Volume 36, December 2022, 100612)
Medicinal herb and cancer treatment: A Promising Frontier
The convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science is bringing renewed attention to dandelion herb and dandelion root as more than just folklore. While these studies for medicinal herbs are preliminary and further more specific research is essential for—particularly clinical trials to confirm safety and efficacy of dandelion root cancer treatment on a large scale. These studies of dandelion root cancer treatment ignite hope in cancer prevention. For cancer patients with fewer treatment options and for scientists searching for natural and low-toxic alternatives, dandelion root represents an exciting, natural medicinal herb for cancer treatment.
From roadside weed to potential cancer cure, dandelion herb is stepping into the scientific spotlight. The selective effects of this medicinal herb on cancer cells and the ability to activate key cellular energy sensors signal an emerging area, where healing begins with nature. With the increasing amount of scientific investigation to validate traditional remedies, patients, scientists and clinicians are likely to find powerful allies burgeoning quietly at their feet.
To learn more about science and such science insights, read our blog section.
Reference
About the author
Dr. Anindita Talukdar
Our Latest Articles
Cataract Eyedrop VP01-001
Cataract Eyedrop VP01-001: A Promising Noninvasive Alternative to Cataract Surgery That Could Transform Global Vision Care What Are Cataracts and Why Are They So Common? Cataract, the world’s leading cause
Turning Heads in Oncology: Lab Study Proves Dandelion Root Kills 95% of Cancer Cell
Turning Heads in Oncology: Lab Study Proves Dandelion Root Kills 95% of Cancer Cell Dandelion or scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, found commonly across the globe and often dismissed as
Fungal Species Found to Digest Plastic Waste
Breakthrough Discovery: Fungal Species Found to Digest Plastic Waste Source: Alan Rockefeller, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Each year, an estimated 625,000 garbage trucks’ worth of plastic enters the